Functions of government hospitals across the island were disrupted due to a token strike launched by the GMOA last morning (04).

Hospital directors told our news team that functions of OPD services and clinics came to standstill due to the strike. Thousands of patients were badly inconvenienced due the GMOA’s trade union action.

The strike was launched against registering graduates of Malabe Private Medical College with the Medical Council, signing the ECTA between India and Sri Lanka and the proposal to amend the Medical Service Ordinance. GMOA said nearly 14 thousand doctors attached to 1500 government hospital joined the strike yesterday.

The token strike which started at 8 o’clock last morning ended at 12 noon. The GMOA, The All Ceylon Government Medical Officers association, the Government Dentists Association and The Ayurveda Physicians Association participated in the strike. In addition, The All Ceylon Family Health Service offices association, the all Ceylon Nurses Association, The Health services association, the Ward Clerk Association and the All Ceylon Telephone Operators joined in the strike.

At the same time, the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) had organized protests against the Malabe private medical college, from the universities at Rajarata, Ruhuna, Sri Jayewardenepura, Wayamba and Peradeniya.

In addition, the fundamental case filed by three students will be taken for hearing today. 17 officials including the Health Minister have been named as respondents in this petition.

Meanwhile GMOA said in a media conference yesterday afternoon that its central working committee has convened an emergency meeting today to take a decision about the Malabe Private medical college.